History
Mercy Hospital history
1900s
Mercy Hospital founding and marking of 50th year
In the 1950s, Anoka County was being transformed. Nearly overnight potato fields were converted to neighborhoods, with new houses, families, and babies galore. But where to give birth to all those babies? Or receive health care for a serious injury or illness?
In 1963, the Anoka Community Hospital Association agreed to build a 100-bed hospital located on the border of Coon Rapids and Anoka. Later that year, 2,000 volunteers launched a $600,000 fund drive, collecting donations door-to-door for the hospital's construction.
Their efforts were successful. Mercy Hospital's first patient, Mrs. Cecil (Judith) Melton, arrived in a raging blizzard on March 17, 1965, five days before the hospital's planned opening; she gave birth to Merci, Mercy's first baby, named in honor of the new hospital.
2000s
Continued expansion of services
Through the years, the hospital has continued to expand, adding services and technology to remain current with the latest in medical advancements. Mercy's primary dedication remains the same: to serve the health care needs of neighbors and friends living in more than 25 north metro cities and towns.
The Mother Baby Center opens
In mid-2015, Mercy Hospital celebrated its 50th year of serving the north metro area with the opening of The Mother Baby Center at Mercy with Children's. Located south of the Heart & Vascular Center on the Mercy campus, it is a premier family-centered birth center for all families especially for high-risk mothers and babies. The Mother Baby Center is a collaboration between Allina Health and Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus history
1900s
Unity Campus founding and 50th anniversary
Unity Hospital was founded in 1966 by the North Suburban Hospital District and its five community members: Blaine, Fridley, Hilltop, Mounds View and Spring Lake Park.
The hospital's outstanding care serves residents of these founding communities, while welcoming new residents from more than 20 additional communities.